Seat Belt Systems: Description and Operation
Dual Locking Mode Retractors
WARNING:
^ ALL SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLIES INCLUDING RETRACTORS, BUCKLES, FRONT SEAT BELT BUCKLE SUPPORT ASSEMBLIES (SLIDE BAR), SHOULDER BELT HEIGHT ADJUSTERS, CHILD SAFETY SEAT TETHER ATTACHMENTS (IF EQUIPPED), AND ATTACHING HARDWARE SHOULD BE INSPECTED AFTER ANY COLLISION. ALL BELT ASSEMBLIES SHOULD BE REPLACED UNLESS A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN FINDS THAT THE ASSEMBLIES SHOW NO DAMAGE AND OPERATE PROPERLY. BELT ASSEMBLIES NOT IN USE DURING A COLLISION SHOULD ALSO BE INSPECTED AND REPLACED IF EITHER DAMAGE OR IMPROPER OPERATION IS NOTED.
^ REAR FACING CHILD SEATS OR INFANT CARRIERS SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN THE FRONT SEATS. IF YOU MUST USE A FORWARD FACING CHILD SEAT, MOVE THE SEAT ALL THE WAY BACK.
NOTE: When replacing a dual locking mode retractor, the retractor should be checked to make sure it is not in the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode after installation.
All outboard continuous-loop, three-point retractor systems, except the driver position, are equipped with the dual locking mode system.
The Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode will allow the occupant freedom of movement, locking tight only on hard braking, hard cornering, or an impact of approximately 8 km/h (5 mph). The ELR mode helps to reduce the forward movement of the driver and passengers. The ELR mode is continuously in operation at all seating positions.
The ALR portion of this system does not allow the occupant freedom of movement. The ALR mode is used when locking a child seat in an outboard seating position or when a tight belt fit is desired. The ALR mode is disengaged when the webbing is free to move in or out of the retractor. The ALR mode is automatically engaged when the webbing is fully extracted from the retractor and then allowed to retract. As the webbing is retracted back onto the spool, an audible clicking sound is made, indicating that the retractor is in ALR mode. The ALR mode is automatically disengaged when most of the webbing is retracted back onto the spool.
When replacing safety belt buckles and/or retractor assemblies, use only the replacement parts specified in the Ford Customer Service Division Master Parts and Accessories Catalog.
Safety Belt Replacement Label
The driver and front outboard passenger seat belt systems have a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on the occupant's chest.
Safety Belt Replacement Label Location
The short plastic boot on the front safety belt at the passenger outboard anchor location covers a "Replace Belt" label on the safety belt.
In the event of a collision the colored label ("Replace Belt") may become visible. If this occurs, the safety belt must be replaced.
WARNING:
^ WHENEVER THE YELLOW PORTION OF THE LABEL IS VISIBLE, THE SAFETY BELT MUST BE REPLACED.
^ FAILURE TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS WILL AFFECT THE PERFORMANCE OF THE SAFETY BELTS AND INCREASE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY.
^ AFTER ANY VEHICLE COLLISION, THE SAFETY BELT SYSTEM AT ALL OUTBOARD SEATING POSITIONS (EXCEPT DRIVER, WHICH HAS NO "AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR" FEATURE) MUST BE CHECKED BY A QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN TO VERIFY THAT THE "AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR" FEATURE FOR CHILD SEATS IS STILL FUNCTIONING PROPERLY, IN ADDITION TO OTHER CHECKS FOR PROPER SAFETY BELT SYSTEM FUNCTION. A BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY MUST BE REPLACED IF THE SAFETY BELT ASSEMBLY'S "AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR" FEATURE OR ANY OTHER SAFETY BELT FUNCTION IS NOT OPERATING PROPERLY WHEN CHECKED ACCORDING TO THE PROCEDURES IN THE WORKSHOP MANUAL. FAILURE TO REPLACE THE BELT AND RETRACTOR ASSEMBLY COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY IN COLLISIONS.
These vehicles have a safety belt system with an energy management feature at the front seating positions to help further reduce the risk of injury in the event of a head-on collision.
This safety belt system has a retractor assembly that is designed to pay out webbing in a controlled manner. This feature is designed to help reduce the belt force acting on an occupant's chest.
Seat Belt Extension
In certain cases, the safety belt may be too short even when it is fully extended. About 20 cm (8 in) can be added to the belt length by using a safety belt extension. Safety belt extensions are available at no cost from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer parts department at no cost. Safety belt extensions are only available with black webbing.
There are two extension assemblies available, one for the front seating positions and one for the rear seating positions, and they are not interchangeable.
Use only extensions manufactured by the same supplier as the safety belt. Manufacturer identification is located at the end of the webbing on the label. Also, use the safety belt extension only if the safety belt is too short for you when fully extended. Do not use the extension to change the fit of the shoulder belt across the torso.
Safety Belt Warning Indicator And Chime
The warning indicator and chime are reminders to fasten the safety belt. The following conditions will take place:
^ If the safety belt is not buckled before the ignition is turned to the ON position, the chime will turn on for four to eight seconds and the indicator will come on for one to two minutes.
^ If the safety belt is buckled while the indicator is on and the chime is sounding, both the indicator and chime will turn off.
^ If the safety belt is buckled before the ignition is turned to the ON position, neither the indicator nor the chime will turn on.
Belt Minder (if equipped)
The Belt Minder feature is a supplemental warning to the safety belt warning function. This feature provides additional reminders to the driver that the driver's safety belt is unbuckled by intermittently sounding a chime and illuminating the safety belt warning lamp in the instrument cluster.
Attaching Safety Seats With Tether Straps
Some manufacturers make child safety seats that include a tether strap that goes over the back of the vehicle seat and attaches to an anchoring point. Other manufacturers offer the tether strap as an accessory. Contact the manufacturer of the child safety seat for information about ordering a tether strap.
Child Safety Seat Tether Anchor - Excursion
Child safety seat tether anchors have been provided in the vehicle at all three second row seating positions. They are located directly beneath the seat back cushion on the seat risers. To use these anchors, refer to the owner guide. Any child safety seat tether anchor in use during a collision must be inspected and replaced if damaged. The child seat tether anchors are part of the seat. If they require replacement, the seat must be replaced.
Child Safety Seat Tether Anchor - Except Excursion
If a child safety seat tether anchor is required for the child safety seat, tether anchor hardware kits including instructions, may be obtained at no charge from any Ford or Lincoln-Mercury dealer.
If you have a SuperCab or Crew Cab, Ford recommends you attach tether safety seats in the rear seating position (if possible) with tether strap attached to the tether anchor bracket as shown in the instructions provided with the tether anchor kit. Any child safety seat tether anchor in use during a collision must be inspected and replaced if damaged.